The ‘Landers came out clicking on cylinders. Unfortunately for the Rangers, they couldn’t keep pace.
Cloudland picked up a 52-14 win over Unaka on Pinkout Night at Goddard Field. The win moves Cloudland to 5-2 on the season, while the Rangers fall to 1-6. The ‘Landers also take control of their own destiny in the conference race by improving to 3-0, while Unaka move to 1-1.
After the Rangers were unable to get anything going, Birchfield carried Cloudland down the field on the opening drive – which was capped off by a 24-yard touchdown run by Austin Whitehead.
The ensuing kickoff was bobbled by the Rangers, and Cloudland took advantage by taking a 16-0 lead after a 19-yard Birchfield touchdown.
Brandon Guinn had a solid run for Unaka on the next drive. However, the Rangers were forced to punt.
The ‘Landers took a 24-0 lead after the first quarter with an 11-yard touchdown by Birchfield.
Micah Hunt and the Rangers moved to midfield to open the second quarter, but James Arwood picked off a tipped pass to set up the ‘Landers. Birchfield took advantage with a seven-yard touchdown.
The Rangers got on the board with an impressive drive. Hunt capped off the drive with a three-yard run. Hunt converted the two-point conversion to close the gap to 30-8. Another Birchfield touchdown gave Cloudland a 36-8 lead at the half.
Noah Arnett opened the scoring in the third quarter with an 18-yard run. Hunt struck again on the next drive as he broke free for a 57-yard touchdown. From there, Cloudland added a 40-yard Birchfield touchdown to cap off the scoring.
Birchfield finished the game with 264 yards on 22 carries with five touchdowns, while Whitehead recorded 88 yards on four attempts. Aren’t tallied 80 yards on nine carries, while Jordan Coffey tallied nine carries for 47 yards. Malachi Enfield also recorded 18 yards.
Dakota Ashley had two big catches for Cloudland.
The ‘Landers were led defensively by Arwood as he tallied four tackles and an interception. Cameron Stevens had four tackles, while Josh Blair and Enfield had three tackles apiece. Brinkley Mull also added three tackles for the Cloudland cause.
Unaka was led by Hunt as he tallied 71 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns. John Ramsey was 7-of-15 passing for 43 yards. Hunt and Jacob Day had two catches apiece.
Hunt had a game-high 8 tackles for Unaka, while Ray Combs and Day had four tackles apiece. Matthew Bentley and Hunter Bentley had three tackles.
The Rangers will be off in Week 8, while Cloudland will travel to Sullivan East.
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Postgame Audio
Cloudland Head Coach Brock Pittman
Unaka Head Coach Pink McKinney
